Commemorating Nelson’s historic victory
24 October 2010
For the first time in its history on Sunday October 24 the ACF joined the Sea Cadet Corps in commemorating Nelson’s famous victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.
More than 500 young people, aged 12 to 18, from across all three cadet forces and from all over the UK paraded together on Trafalgar Square in central London to honour the 205th anniversary of Nelson’s historic victory in 1805 and celebrate 150 years of the cadet movement.
As part of the Cadet150 celebrations, the Sea Cadets invited their counterparts from the ACF and ATC to join them for one of the highlights of their annual calendar.
The parade from the Mall to Trafalgar Square was led by an 80-strong marching band of Sea Cadets. The 500 youngsters then took part in a spectacular display of drill, bandsmanship and a traditional club and cutlass, plus a spectacular window ladder display at a height of 35 feet over the Square. This annual event gave cadets an opportunity to showcase their skills, talent and enthusiasm to dignitaries from all three Armed Forces and tourists.
For this magnificent event the cadets had only three days to co-ordinate and rehearse beforehand. It is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion these young people have invested throughout the year in their respective cadet activities that the event passed so successfully.
Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: “It was a pleasure to be here today, the cadets were well drilled and they should be very proud of the variety of skills that they showed. I would like to offer my thanks and praise to all of the cadets’ organisations. The opportunities that they provide to young people are as valuable as ever, and the experience of working with them is just as rewarding for those adults who volunteer to help them. These cadets are true models for young people, and the cadets’ organisations show the ‘Big Society’ at its best, working together, without boundaries”.